I, like most people I suspect, always thought a quilt was “a cover for a bed, consisting of a soft filling sewn between two layers of material, usually with crisscross seams.” And so it is, according to my Collins English Dictionary. 

The verb “quilt” refers to the actual stitching together in often incredibly elaborate and intricate patterns.

I spoke with prolific and talented quilt maker Elly Edgar and discovered that there is more to making quilts than meets the eye.

Elly Edgar with her Snowy Mountain Quilt

Flicking through her photo album of hundreds of beautifully crafted quilts I was amazed at the diversity of designs. 

Her collection ranged from geometric patterns of extraordinary colour and appeal through to pictorials and abstractions, leaving me in no doubt that, she has elevated the humble bed warmer to a true art form. 

Elly calls herself a “patchwork and appliqué specialist.” Meaning that she designs the work and cuts and applies the numerous pieces of fabric to form the “picture.” 

Each piece of the design is cut from the back, having first been glued to a special glued paper called “fliesofix.” 

How is it glued?

With an iron of course! (Why didn’t I think of that?) 

The fliesofix is then peeled off and the piece is then ready to be stuck to the backing material by using (you guessed it) an iron. Held flat by the glue each piece is then meticulously sewn on by hand using mostly “blanket stitch.”  

My head was spinning as she held up a magnificent sea and bush scene quilt and explained that; “people don’t realize just how much time goes into each piece. This one has over 600 different pieces of material in it.” 

Not satisfied with the traditional bed cover theme Elly has extended her art form to include wall hangings, tablecloths, place mats, folders, photo albums and pillows. 

Her most recent creation depicting the essence of Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains will, along with many others, be on display at the craft sale and exhibition to be held at Horizons on Sunday 3rd of December 10.00am – 4.00pm coinciding with the final day of the Snowy River Shire’s Centenary celebrations.

Works in progress too will be on display, which should prove interesting for aspiring quilters looking for tips and advice. 

“I’ve always liked sewing,” she said “but this is a new passion for me, having been introduced to it by a friend in 2001. My mother used to make wedding dresses so maybe it’s in the blood.” 

Elly Edgar can be contacted on 02 6456 7178 or Mob. 0418 669 325 

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